Darkness in Holmesville: Investigation Points to Murder-Suicide of Father and Young Son.

Darkness in Holmesville, Investigation Points to Murder-Suicide of Father and Young Son.

The Detroit Lakes community is mourning an unimaginable loss following a grim discovery in Holmesville Township earlier this week. What began as a welfare check for a missing coworker ended in a scene of profound tragedy, as the Becker County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths of a local father and his 3-year-old son.

A Discovery of Devestation

The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon when a concerned citizen traveled to a residence to check on his brother, who had uncharacteristically failed to report for work. Upon entering the home, the man discovered the body of Gene Bartnesalong with his young son, Koltyn Bartnes.

Responding deputies arrived to a scene that officials have since characterized as an apparent murder-suicide. According to the preliminary investigation:

• Both individuals suffered fatal gunshot wounds.

• Investigators recovered a suicide note inside the residence, though the specific contents have not been disclosed to the public.

• Authorities currently believe there is no ongoing threat to the community.

A Community in Mourning

The ripple effects of the violence have left family members and neighbors in a state of shock. Relatives have expressed profound grief for Koltyn’s mother, Kristi, who is reportedly struggling to process the dual loss of her child and his father.

As the Becker County Sheriff’s Office continues to examine the evidence, the focus remains on supporting the survivors. A memorial fund has been established to assist Kristi with the sudden financial and emotional burden of this catastrophe. While the investigation remains open to finalize the timeline of events, the quiet township is left grappling with the heavy weight of a life—and a childhood—extinguished far too soon.